Average Firefighters Salary in Waco, TX
Firefighters in Waco, TX, earn an impressive average annual salary of $59,310, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation in Waco is likely influenced by the specific demands and responsibilities inherent to the role within the local community, as well as regional economic factors that contribute to a competitive labor market for essential services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,570.
- Outlook: Waco, TX supports a local workforce of 220 firefighters, with a location quotient of 0.78 indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not a hub of extreme demand, the presence of 1.691 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and consistent need for these professionals within the city's infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Waco, TX earns+36.7%above the national average.
$28.5
$1,141
$4,943
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Waco, TX, like in many other regions, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased cost of living, and evolving demands on emergency services, ensuring that compensation remains competitive and reflective of the profession's importance.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Salary progression for firefighters in Waco, TX, is strongly tied to experience and tenure. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the fire department.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $44,190 | $21.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $44,483 | $21.4 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $63,390 | $30.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $74,138 | $35.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $70,570 | $33.9 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,310 for firefighters in Waco, TX, aligns perfectly with the local cost of living index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary translates directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making Waco an economically stable location for firefighters seeking to maintain their standard of living.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
1.691
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.78x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a location quotient of 0.78, Waco, TX, has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (1.691) indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, level of demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $50,940↓ 14% | 41 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $50,300↓ 15% | 41 mi |
| Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $50,530↓ 15% | 41 mi |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $51,070↓ 14% | 41 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $45,520↓ 23% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Waco, TX is $59,310. This typically ranges from $44,190 for entry-level positions to $70,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 36.7% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, Waco, TX offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters in Waco earn significantly above the national average salary, and with a cost of living at the national average, their earnings provide strong purchasing power.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($50,940) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Waco's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Waco, TX, earn an average of $59,310 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the cost of living in Waco, TX for firefighters?
The cost of living in Waco, TX, is exactly at the national average, indicated by an index of 100. This means the local salary holds its value effectively.
Is there high demand for firefighters in Waco, TX?
Waco has 1.691 firefighter jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a consistent demand for the profession within the local workforce.
How does the concentration of firefighters in Waco compare nationally?
Waco has a location quotient of 0.78 for firefighters, meaning the concentration is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 1.691 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Waco, TX